Architecture is a field that demands continuous growth and development, requiring architects to constantly innovate, create, and deliver exceptional work. However, navigating the complexities of the industry and the number of options available to take your career can be overwhelming at times. We will explore the valuable role coaching can play in supporting Architects, Designers, and Engineers to unlock their full potential, discover themselves, and achieve excellence in their careers.
What is coaching?
Coaching, in the context of architecture and design, is a collaborative partnership between a professional coach and an Architect (Designer or Engineer). It differs from traditional mentoring or consulting by focusing on empowering the individual to identify their goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Coaching can be individual (1 on 1) or group sessions. Coaching can also be formal and informal. Individual sessions can allow for you to truly express yourself and get more attention to your specific needs. Group sessions can be more cost effective when doing formal coaching and meeting new people, but it does have the downside that people may be holding themselves back from expressing their true feelings when in a group setting.
There are also opportunities to get coaching time feedback from those around you that aren’t hiring a formal career coach. All these options have their pros and cons. Sometimes you need multiple types of coaching, or particular kinds work best for different times in your career journey.
Importance of coaching in architecture
Coaching provides the guidance, support, and tools needed to excel in the AEC profession. It goes beyond simply giving advice or telling architects, designers, and engineers what to do. A coach serves as a sounding board, asking powerful questions, and helping gain insights into their own strengths and potential. Through this process, individuals can develop a clearer understanding of their goals and aspirations.
The Benefits of Coaching in Architecture
- Enhancing design and creativity skills: Coaching helps individuals tap into their creativity and unlock their unique design styles. Coaches provide guidance on design principles, inspire new ideas, and encourage them to think outside the box. By unleashing their creativity, Architects, Designers and Engineers can deliver innovative and groundbreaking designs.
- Improving technical knowledge and expertise: Coaching can support in expanding their technical knowledge and expertise. Coaches can provide resources, recommend learning opportunities, and assist in staying updated with the latest industry trends and advancements. This continuous growth enhances their ability to tackle complex design challenges.
- Developing effective communication and collaboration skills: These professions often work in teams and need to effectively communicate their ideas to clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. Coaching helps develop better communication skills, improve their ability to collaborate, and become effective leaders in their projects. Effective communication fosters better understanding and ensures successful project outcomes.
- Boosting confidence and self-esteem: Coaching plays a vital role in boosting their confidence and self-esteem. By identifying and building on their strengths, coaches help professionals recognize their value and contributions to the field. This increased confidence enables them to take on new challenges and strive for excellence.
- Overcoming challenges and obstacles: Coaches provide guidance and support in overcoming challenges and obstacles that may arise in their careers. Whether it’s navigating project complexities, dealing with difficult clients, or managing time effectively, coaches offer strategies and techniques to overcome these hurdles and maintain focus on achieving goals.
Choosing the Right Coach
There is a difference between coaches, your situation, expectations, and needs. It is important to have a coach that is a good match. That is why many career coaches have a 15 to 30-minute free evaluation call. They are seeing if you two are a good match to work together to achieve your goals. But what should you look for in a coach during this free evaluation call? When selecting a coach, you should consider the following:
- Qualities to look for in a coach: Look for a coach who possesses strong listening and communication skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of the architectural industry. The coach should be able to create a safe and non-judgmental space for architects to explore their potential.
- Checking credentials and experience: Verify the coach’s credentials and experience in coaching Architects, Designers and/or Engineers. Ensure they have a solid understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of the architectural and design field. There is NOT a rigid credentialing process in the coaching industry like there is for licensed Architects and Engineers. But you can learn about the professional like you are interviewing for a firm. You can ask questions to better understand their career, their experience, and their process.
- Seeking recommendations and testimonials: Seek recommendations from colleagues or industry professionals who have worked with coaches in the past. Testimonials can provide valuable insights into the coach’s effectiveness and impact on architects’ careers.
Getting Started with Coaching
To make the most of coaching, you should follow these steps:
- Setting clear goals and objectives: Identify specific goals and objectives you want to achieve through coaching. This clarity will guide the coaching process and help measure progress. This can help to set discuss in the initial call to set proper expectations.
- Creating an action plan: Collaborate with your coach to create an action plan that outlines the steps you need to take to achieve your goals. This plan should include specific milestones, timelines, and actionable tasks that will help you make progress towards your desired outcomes. If you are getting formal coaching there should be a number of sessions and “end” to the program to be able to reflect if you have achieved your goals. You can also continue for additional coaching, but it is not good to keep it open ended without “end” points for evaluation.
- Establishing a coaching schedule: Set up a regular coaching schedule with your coach. Consistency is key to maximizing the benefits of coaching. Regular sessions will provide the necessary support, accountability, and feedback needed for your growth and development. It is also important to make these sessions a priority. Life has its surprises, but you should not be consistently rescheduling appointments.
- Tracking progress and evaluating success: Throughout the coaching process, track your progress towards your goals. Regularly assess and evaluate the outcomes and changes you have experienced because of coaching. This self-reflection will help you recognize your achievements and identify areas that may still require attention.
Coaching is a powerful tool that can help architects unleash their full potential and achieve excellence in their careers. By collaborating with a professional coach, Architects, Designers and Engineers can enhance their design thinking abilities, improve communication and collaboration skills, manage their time effectively, and overcome challenges that may hinder their progress. Sometimes it takes a third-party individual that is not yourself, colleague, or loved one to help you learn about yourself. Often the discoveries you find from coaching sessions aren’t as surprising to your friends, loved ones, and colleagues. Remember, with the right guidance and support, you can unlock new levels of success and make a lasting impact in the world of architecture.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB
